(without using a Field of View Calculator)

Focal Length

  • Focal length is the distance from the "principal point" of a lens to its focal point, expressed in millimeters (mm).
  • Focal length controls the magnification of the image captured and the field of view.
  • Focal length can be fixed or variable - see "Varifocal & Zoom Lenses."
  • The chart below covers the basic information about focal length:

Formula Table

1/3"

2/3"

1/2"

1/4"

H= Horizontal Width (in feet)

F= 4.8 x OD
      H

F= 8.8 x OD
      H

F= 6.4 x OD
      H

F= 3.6 x OD
      H

V= Vertical Height (in feet)

F= 3.6 x OD
      V

F= 6.6 x OD
       V

F= 4.8 x OD
      V

F= 2.7 x OD
      V

OD= Object Distance from
lens and viewing area (in feet)

H= 4.8 x OD
      F

H= 8.8 x OD
      F

H= 6.4 x OD
      F

H= 3.6 x OD
      F

F= Required Focal Length
(in millimeters)

V= 3.6 x OD
      F

V= 6.6 x OD
      F

V= 4.8 x OD
      F

V= 2.7 x OD
      F

 

Example

Using a 1/3" camera, you want to see a 12 foot horizontal field of view from 25 feet away.

 4.8 x 25 = 10 mm lens (1/3" format)
      12

Next - Wide Angle Lenses, Normal Lenses, and Telephoto Lenses

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